79 Fun New Jersey Quotes, Sayings, Puns & Instagram Captions

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Ah, New Jersey -the Garden State. Its briny beaches, bustling cities, and small towns offer up an array of experiences.

From the Atlantic City Boardwalk to Cape May’s lighthouse on a foggy morning; from Princeton University to pie bakeries in Clinton… New Jersey has something for everyone! And if you’re looking for something to capture the spirit of this magnificent state in a few words — then today is your lucky day!

We have compiled a collection of cheeky New Jersey quotes, sayings, and puns that are sure to make even diehard NJ natives chuckle.

So whether you live in New Jersey or just like teasing it with irreverent jests (in good fun!), these New Jersey quotes will give you plenty of fodder for conversation.

Let’s get to it…

Funny New Jersey Quotes

I grew up in New Jersey, and love my home state. But having traveled around the country I understand that NJ is often the butt of many jokes.

Many of you are probably stopping here to get a few zingers to tease your friends from the Garden state, and I don’t want to disappoint, so we will jump right into the funny New Jersey quotes.

1. “I grew up in New Jersey in the ’80s. That means one thing: Big hair. … I had big hair, my boyfriends had big hair; we all had big hair. Our prom looked like the poodle division of the Westminster dog show.” – Jancee Dunn

2. “The difference between Las Vegas and Atlantic City is the difference between getting conned by a beautiful call girl and getting mugged by a crackhead.” – Drew Carey
3. “In New Jersey everything’s legal, as long as you don’t get caught” – Bob Dillon
4. “New Jersey girls aren’t trashy (trash gets picked up)” – Unknown
5. “The curtain rises on a vast primitive wasteland, not unlike certain parts of New Jersey.” -Woody Allen
6. “If there was an oppression Olympics, I would win the gold medal. I’m Palestinian, Muslim, I’m female, I’m disabled, and I live in New Jersey.” – Maysoon Zayid
7. “Any intelligent woman would have made a dignified retreat, but this was New Jersey, where dignity always runs a poor second to the pleasure of getting in someone’s face.” –Janet Evanovich
8. “I think I’m one of the few people who have experienced New Jersey becoming fashionable twice in a lifetime.” – Steven Van Zandt
9. “Artificial Intelligence leaves no doubt that it wants its audiences to enter a realm of pure fantasy when it identifies one of the last remaining islands of civilization as New Jersey.” -Godfried Danneels
10. Why did NJ get all the toxic waste and California get all the lawyers? – New Jersey got to pick first. (Take that Californians!)

New Jersey Travel Quotes

Packing your bags for New Jersey? Make sure your trip is truly memorable by taking along some quotes about the Garden State.

With New Jersey quotes ranging from famous ones about the beautiful Atlantic Ocean shoreline, to quotes describing its rich history to quotes about the diverse areas packed into this small state, there are plenty of witty quotes to make you smile – no matter what kind of traveler you are.

Whether you’re looking for an inspiring quote or a one-liner to make your friends jealous, New Jersey quotes have got you covered. So if it’s time for a vacation from the ordinary, pack some quotes about New Jersey in your suitcase, and hit the road!

11. “If you’re from New Jersey, let people make all those bad jokes about our state. Don’t let anyone know how great it is here. It’s the best-kept secret.” – Jon Bon Jovi
12. “I think that Jersey Shore is awesome. I’ve gone to Cape May every summer of my life.” – Anne Hathaway
13. “So much to see, so little time—that’s how I feel about New Jersey.” – Bruce Springsteen 

14. “There’s a richness in the landscape of New Jersey that sets it apart from other states – beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and sprawling farms perfect for exploring.” – Chelsea Clinton 
15. “New Jersey is known for its stunning coastline, filled with vibrant wildlife and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.” –Diane Lane 
16. “From rolling hills to vibrant cities like Newark, Trenton, and Camden; there’s no shortage of attractions and things to do in New Jersey!” –Jon Bon Jovi
17. “When you say, ‘I spent my summers at the Jersey Shore,’ people always say, ‘Oh, really?’ They think of the TV show. So I just say, ‘A cute little harbor town in New Jersey.’” – Taylor Swift
18. “New Jersey’s rich culture and history are something to be cherished and shared with generations to come.” – Bruce Springsteen 
19. “The Garden State has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for an adventurous getaway or just a peaceful weekend away at the shore.” – Chelsea Handler
20. “Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty. And meet me tonight in Atlantic City.” – Bruce Springsteen
21. “There’s nothing quite like spending a day in New Jersey. Just make sure that you don’t miss out on all of its beauty and attractions!” – Mindy Kaling 
22. “The best part of living in New Jersey is that there’s so much to explore and experience here.” -Bon Jovi 

Loving Quotes About New Jersey

New Jersey quotes are full of humor and heart (just like people from the state). With its beaches and boardwalks, its lovable accents, and its abundance of the best bagels, pizza, and diners (in addition to so much more) NJ has long been beloved by millions.

Now quotes about New Jersey told with love for the state can show us just why it is such a fantastic place!

23. “I love America, and parts of New Jersey remind me of Newfoundland – rolling hills and gardens – it’s great! I guess that’s why they call it the Garden State.” – Neil Sedaka
24. “It’s not just about living in NJ – it’s about loving NJ too!” – Joe Piscopo
25. “A lot of people don’t know, but New Jersey has over 700,000 acres of farmland.” – Charlie Puth

26. “New Jersey is the most poetic state: close enough to New York to be urban and cosmopolitan, far enough to be desirous and unsure; densely populated, but full of farms and woods, with the most deer of any state.” – Robert Pinsky 
27. “If you don’t know Jersey, you don’t know jack!” – Jon Bon Jovi
28. “Really, I don’t know anything other than Jersey. I like the dirtiness of it. Now I’m getting to see the world, and it’s great, but it’s not better than Jersey.” – Frank Iero
29. “I live in New Jersey now, which always gets a bad rap here and there, but I must say, I enjoy living here too.” – Paul Muldoon
30. “There’s something unique about New Jersey that I can never find anywhere else: the people, the culture, the food – it’s all so special.” – Danny DeVito
31. “Cause nothing matters in this whole wide world when you’re in love with a Jersey girl.” -Bruce Springsteen
32. “The state of New Jersey is really two places – terrible cities and wonderful suburbs. I live in the suburbs, the final battleground of the American dream, where people get married and have kids and try to scratch out a happy life for themselves. It’s very romantic in that way, but a bit naive. I like to play with that in my work.” – Harlan Coben
33. “I’m proud to be from New Jersey and always enjoy coming back home.” – Wendy Williams
34. “‘The Sopranos’ only reflected the tenor of how things are done in New Jersey. They didn’t invent it. And I say that as a fan of both ‘The Sopranos’ and New Jersey.” – Kevin Bleyer
35. “I grew up in the northernmost parts of New Jersey, known more for lush forests and old farmland than industrial wastelands and fist pumping.” – Brad Leone
36. “You can feel the energy of New Jersey everywhere you go – from the bustling cities up north to the peaceful beaches down south.“– David Duchovny
37. “Staring off at the jewelled short lights of New Jersey.” –Richard Ford

Pinterest/Instagram Captions About New Jersey

Many great Instagram captions about New Jersey showcase this unique and often misunderstood state.

From the spectacular beach towns of the southern coastline to the lush, rolling hills of the north, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops in this densely populated region.

And it’s not all hustle and bustle! There are small mountains, over 10,000 farms, and 750,000 acres of farmland. Majestic beaches and large forest areas.

There are tons of great and varied images to be taken. From spotting bald eagles and whitetail deer to visiting one of the finest arboretums on the east coast, there is nature to be enjoyed and Instagrammed in New Jersey too.

Plus – it’s home to some of the best food around! Everyone could find something worth Instagramming in The Garden State.

38. “New Jersey has a special place in my heart.” – Bruce Springsteen
39. Meanwhile, in New Jersey…
40. Atlantic City dreamin’
41. If you’re lucky enough to live by the shore, you’re lucky enough
42. It’s bad manners to keep New Jersey waiting
43. My heart belongs to the Jersey Shore.
44. See you at the shore

45. “Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey.” – Jon Bon Jovi
46. Relationship status: In love with sunrise in this state
47. Daydreaming in New Jersey
48. Friends, sun, and the Jersey Shore

New Jersey Puns

Ready for some (pun)ishment? Who doesn’t love the horrible dad humor of puns?

New Jersey is filled with plenty of witty one-liners and puns. Lively New Jersey residents have come up with some ingenious lines about their home state involving everything from cities to local delicacies.

For example, you might hear someone say, “If New York is the Big Apple, New Jersey must be the Garden State!” Another New Jersey classic could include something like, “Cape me away to Cape May!”

Needless to say, New Jersey puns never fail to become a huge hit when shared among friends and family.

49. I am getting sick of traveling from Newark to Manhattan with my neighbors every day. – I am getting Carpool Tunnel Syndrome
50. If Mississippi wears a New Jersey what does Delaware?
51. Finally made it to the Statue of Liberty. It’s a boat time!
52. Mattel is making a new homeless NJ man to date Barbie. He is called Hobo-Ken

53. Cape me away to Cape May
54. Top NJ Halloween costume: Gaba-Ghoul
55. Be shore of yourself
56. The Devils always play their home games in New Jerseys
57. My thoughts & prayers go out to the people of New Jersey. -Nothing happened. I just feel bad for anyone who lives in NJ.
58. Spill the Liber-tea at Liberty State Park
59. If New York is the Big Apple, New Jersey must be the Garden State!

New Jersey Sayings / Mottos

New Jersey is full of its own unique sayings that can leave outsiders feeling a little left out.

Take for example the final section of their state motto: “Liberty and Prosperity”. Sounds pretty serious until you consider the unofficial mottos immediately following; “Come See For Yourself” and “What Exit!?” Clearly, New Jerseyans have a sense of humor when it comes to their home state.

There are also some truly funny sayings that have become associated with New Jersey like ‘Where Else Would You Live?‘ and ‘You’d Be Crazy Not To Stay!’.

And then there are the fake mottos that regularly get shared around social media like ‘If It Ain’t Broke, Let’s Fix It Anyway‘ and ‘Join Us for the World’s (Second) Biggest Traffic Jam‘ – proving that New Jerseyans have plenty of wit to go along with their spirit.

Let’s check out a few more of these official (and many more unofficial) New Jersey sayings.

60. Oh, you’re from New Jersey? What exit?

61. My state can beat up your state
62. See you at the shore.
63. We have more people than cows!
64. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it in New Jersey!
65. In addition to its beautiful beaches, New Jersey is also home to stunning parks and forests. 
66. You got a problem with that?
67. Jersey strong, baby.
68. When you’re here, you’re Family. Or else
69. You dream it, we’ll tax it 
70. With over 130 miles of coastline, there’s a perfect beach for everyone in New Jersey.
71. New Jersey: You Want a F$%&in’ Motto? I Got Yer F$%&in’ Motto Right Here!

72. New Jersey: the more you know, the less you care
73. The Crossroads of the Revolution
74. New Jersey & You…Perfect Together
75. New Jersey Turnpike. We’ll pull you over.
76. From world-famous Boardwalks to secluded natural beaches, New Jersey has it all.
77. Jersey Boys do it better!
78. We don’t pump our gas, we pump our fists
79. New Jersey: We’ll win you over

New Jersey Song List

New Jersey has produced a wide variety of well-known artists and iconic songs, many of which have become essential components to any New Jersey song list. From Bruce Springsteen’s classic hits like “Born to Run” and “Thunder Road” to the indelible sounds of Frank Sinatra crooning his way through “New York New York,” New Jersey is home to some of the best music in the world.

Whether you’re looking for an epic rock anthem or a subtle jazzy ballad, New Jersey has something for everyone. Everyone from the Fugees to Bon Jovi have made New Jersey proud time and time again.

Check out the New Jersey song list linked below that features some of the best songs that talk in detail about aspects of the Garden State.

14 Songs About New Jersey to Enjoy the Garden State

A Final Word On New Jersey Quotes

No matter what your feelings are about the Garden State, one thing’s certain – New Jersey will always provide us with a wealth of funny quotes, puns, and motto’s to make us chuckle.

Whether you’ve visited many times or never set foot on its soil, you can always join in on a few New Jersey jokes with the locals. Whether you’re heading there for vacation or just looking for some good Instagram captions for those “I Love NJ” posts, this list has all your needs covered!

So pack up your (Jersey) bags and hop into the car – it’s time to explore the wonderful world that is New Jersey!